By Vimal Wilbert, CSC –
Readings: Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9
The third Sunday of Lent invites us to repent and be turned to God who is full of love and forgiveness. Today’s readings are calling us to reflect upon God’s free and overflowing mercy for us.
It is an invitation for us to enter into conversion for our sins and receive God’s mercy. In the Old Testament God’s mercy came in the form of release from the Egyptian slavery and for us the new covenant people the mercy comes in the form of release from slavery of sin.
As we reflect upon these readings, let us prepare ourselves during this Lent to repent of our sins and to renew our lives by producing fruits of love, compassion, forgiveness, and faithful service.
In the gospel reading, Jesus invites the people to repent and renew their lives to produce the fruits of the Spirit. By explaining the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus expresses about the mercy of God on those repent for their sins. Jesus points out that God is patient in waiting for us to repent and to give His grace and mercy.
It is the same call for you and me to repent and make use of the chance to be prepared to receive God’s grace and mercy. Repentance helps us to live as renewed people and bear fruits that God expects from us. As we meditate upon today’s readings, let us expect love, mercy, and grace from the Lord to prepare ourselves to bear fruits especially during this Lent.